Inking mechanism for printing machines



' 1939' F. e. LOUGEE'ETI AL 2,183,720 I INKING MECHANISM FOR fRINT INGMACHINES, 7

Filed Aug. 25, 1937 v 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOIRS.

Dec. 19, 1939.

F. G. LOUGEE :1- AL ,720.

INKING MECI IANISM FOB PRINTING MACHINES 4 Sheet-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 25,1937 I NVENTORS.

F. G. LouGEE ET AL 37% INKING MECHANISM FOR P RIN TING MACHiNES I 4Sheets-Sheet s Filed Aug. 25, 1937 I l l/tl; 1M W an 3 M 7% 2/ 4% n mm4% 3 L mm H mm mm fi a PatentedDec...19, 1939 INKING MECHANISM moms FOR

rnmrnvc Frederick Grafton Lougee, New Malden, England,

and Albert J. Horton, White Plains signors to R. Hoe & 00., Inc., NewYork, N. Y., A a corporation of New York p I Application August 25,1987, Serial No. 160,792

25 Claims.

This invention relates to ink supply.mechanisms for printing machineshaving a plurality of printing units, and .more" particularly to anadjusting mechanism for such' an inksupply mechanism which is especiallyadapted to be controlled by means located remotely from the printingunits.

The features and'principles of this invention are particularlyadaptedfor use with an ink. supply mechanism wherein provision is madetoincrease or decrease theamount of ink sup-- plied to any section of aprinting cylinder, whereby uniformly inked impressions may be maintainedupon the web.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide an improved adjustingmechanism for an ink supply mechanism adapted to be remotely controlled.

Another object is to provide for such an adjusting mechanism an improvedremote controlling means. s

' Other objects include, the provision in an ink.

supply mechanism in which separately adjustable ink fiowcontrollin'g'me'mbers are provided,

means to adjust these members from a'position remote from the ink supplymechanism, means.

whereby the members of a plurality of such ink supply mechanisms may beadjusted from a com- 30 mon position remote from all of the printingunits; and means whereby any set of members may be operablydisconnectedfrom any one of the remotely positioned controls.

' It is also an object of this invention to provide an ink supplymechanism of generally improved construction, whereby the device will besimple, durable and inexpensive in construction as well as convenient,practical, serviceable and emcient in its use.

with the foregoing and'other objects in view," which will. appear as thedescription proceeds, the invention resides in the combination andarrangement of parts, and in the details of construction hereinafterdescribed and claimed.

A. preferred embodiment of theinvention is iillustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wheren: 1 Figure 1 is a schematic side view of aprinting machine having a plurality, of printing units to which thefeatures and principles of this inven tion are particularly and usefullyapplicable;

Figure 2 is a topplan view of a control device which is adapted -to bepositioned remotefrom the ink supply-mechanism, for instance adjacent afolder of such a printing machine; H

. Figure 3 is a broken away view of a disconnecting device'by means ofwhich any one of a plurality of supply mechanism adjusting devices maybe disconnected from a control device;

Figure 4 is aside view partly in vertical section,

of an improved 'form of adjusting mechanism for 5 an ink supplymechanism;

Figure5 is a top plan view of the mechanism. shown in Figure 4, certainparts being broken away to more clearly expose others;

Figure 6 is a vertical 'crosssection taken on linelO 6-6 of Figure 5throughpart of an ink supply mechanism of a particular design andshowing the application of the improved adjusting mechanism of thisinvention thereto;

Figures '7 and 8 are cross sectional views taken 15 on line 1-1 ofFigure 5 and showing different positions of certain parts during theoperation of the mechanism;

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on line H 20 of Figure 8; g

Figure 10 is a partial underneath view looking in the direction of arrowill of Figure 4;-

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken on line il--ll of Figure 5;

Figures 12, 13 and 14 are partial sectional views 95 taken on lineI2-'-l2 of Figure 9; v

Figure 15 is an electrical'control circuit dia-. gram for the adjustingmechanisms for the ink supply mechanism of one printing unit of themachine; 1 I Figure 16 is a top plan view of a somewhat modified form ofreciprocating device for a partof the ink supply mechanism; and

Figure 17 is a top plan view of still another 85 form of reciprocatingdevice. p

The, printing machine illustrated in Figure 1. selected to show theapplication ofthis invention thereto, comprises a plurality of printingunits, 112-inc1usive arranged in groups of three, as

indicated by the brackets H, with a folder it for 40 each group. Such amachine, arranged in four groups of units, is adapted to print and foldfour,

complete products. Occasionally, the product requires more units thanthree and provision is made to regroup the units in groups of four units4|! with a folder", as indicated by the brackets II,

also in groups of five units and a folder, as shown by'brackets It, orin groups of sixunits and a folder, as indicated by brackets ll.

Each unitof each of such groups is usually pro-,lio;

vided with aiirst and a second printing mechanism, including printingmembers or cylinders 20 that'they maybe arranged as shown inright "andleft hand relation and each requiring an ink supply mechanism It and l8respectively. and u this invention is particularly adapted for adjustingthese ink supply mechanisms to insure uniform printing of the respectiveprinting mechanisms supplied with ink therefrom.

The mechanism of this invention is also adapted to facilitate the changeover of the groups from one number of units to another by means ofdisconnecting devices 2| and to emciently con- ;trol the adjustments inthe ink supply, mecha- 'nisms from a control box 22 positioned adjacenteach folder l3. I

Inasmuch as the ink supply mechanisms |81and l9, the disconnectingswitches 2|, and the control boxes 22 are identical in form and aresimilarly operable, only the mechanism, devices and parts associatedwith one printing unit, for instance the unit numbered 1, will bedescribed.

In printing machines of the type illustrated in Figure 1, each side ofeachunit maybe provided go with the "required printing cylinders toprint Each ink supply mechanism L8 and i9 is pro- 1 vided with an inkpump 23 (Figure 6) and an associated valve mechanism 24 for each columnof printedmatter required, and these may be arranged in four side byside rows, of eight in each row. Only two rows of eight or one pair ofrows constituting a total of sixteen pumps and associated mechanism isshown in Figures 4 and 5. Each of the ink pumps 23 is provided with apiston rod 25 (see Figure 6) which is reciprocated by a suitably driveneccentric 25.

The stroke of each of the pump pistons is arranged tobe controlled andadjusted by an adiusting' screw 21 threaded into a plate 28 and directlyoverlying the upper end of each of the .rods 25. The stroke of thepiston rodis limited as desired by adjustment of the screws 21. Each ofthese screws is provided with a knurled head 29 at its upper end,whereby it may be manually adjusted. A detailed description of thestructure and operation of the ink pumps 23 will be I found in thespecification of Patent Number 1,348,900 issued August-10, 1920, toLouis A. Schmidt.

In order to adapt each of the screws 21 for adjustment from a positionremote from the ink supply mechanism, for instance at the folder l3shank 3| of the screw 21 (see Figures 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14).

' The pinions 30 are herein shown as each being disposed in acounterbore formed in the upper depth to permit the required verticaladjustment of the screw 21 without the respective pinion 30 engaging.the plate 28. The pinions 30 are-arranged to be positioned with asufficient length of their peripheral teeth 32 above the upper surfaceof the plate 28 to insure the teeth 32 being engaged by one or the otherof a pair of pawls 33 and 34 formed one, tooth on each side -of one endof a swingable armature or pawl member 35, whenit is swung to move itspawl carrying end to one side or the other.

The pinions 30 are retained against accidental rotation, by each beingengaged by one end of a leaf spring 35 held by a stud 31 secu ed. to the:5 plate 28.

surface of the plate 28, which bore is of sufficient The armatures 35are each pivoted on a screw 38 to a bar 39 which is slidably mountedupon the plate 28 by brackets 4|, one at each end of the bar 39, andsecured to the plate 28 by screws 42. The bar 39 may be reciprocated byarotatable eccentric 43 mounted upon one end of a stud shaft 44-, theother end of which is secured to one part of,a two coil magnetic clutch45. The other part of the magnetic clutch 45 is secured to a rotatableshaft 45 which is adapted by suitable connections (not shown) to beconnected preferably to a driven shaft of the machine or any othersuitable source of power. The arrangement is such that when the magneticclutch 45 is energized, the eccentric 43 will rotate causing the bar 39to be reciprocated longitudinally;

A post 41 extending upwardly from each bracket 4| supports a terminalsupporting bar 48 to which a plurality of electrical terminal posts 49are secured and arranged in this instance, in two rows of sixteen .postseach. The bar 48 may be formed of any suitable insulating material.

Two rows of sixteen each of electromagnets 5| are mounted on and carriedby the bar 39 by having their cores 52 extending into suitable openings.The magnets 5| are arranged in pairs indicated respectively 5| and 5|one magnet 5| of each pair being disposed on one side of each armature35 and another magnet 5| being disposed on the other side, as clearlyshown in Figures 4 and 5. One terminal of each of the magnets 5| in theupper row and 5| b in the lower row, is collected into a cable 53' whichin turn is connected to an insulated binding post 54 also mounted on andcarried by the bar 39, and one terminal of each of the magnets 5| in theupper row and 5| in the lower' row, is'collected into a cable 53 whichis connected to a binding post 54 similarly mounted. The other terminalof each of the magnets 5| is connected to a spring brush 55 carried onthe upper end of each magnet and which extends upwardly therefrom andresiliently engages a plate 55 connected through the bar 48 to one ofthe terminal posts 49. Each post 49 is provided with the usual conductorbinding nuts 51.

A locking ball 58 is disposed between. each armature 35 and the bar 39in sockets 59 and GI, formed in each (see Figures 7, 8 and 9). Thesocket 6| in the bar 39 is shallower than the socket 59, to limit the'ball 59 dropping below the abutting surfaces of the armature and bar,but the socket 59 in the armature is of suiiicientdepth'to a permit theball 58 to be moved above these abutof each group of units, a pinion 30is secured to, g or formed integral with, the upwardly extending tingsurfaces. An opening 52 extends from each socket 5| through the bar39and is adapted to slidingly receive a stud 53 extending upwardly from amagnet armature plate 54. The plate 64 extends on each side of the stud53 to a position below the lower end of the cores 52- of the magnets 5|,disposed oneither side of each armature 35, and is normally supported ona shelf plate 65 spaced from the undcrsurface of the bar 39 bya spacingstrip 55 and secured with it to the bar 39 by screws 61. t

Energization of any magnet 5| magnetizes its respective core 52 which.attracts'the free end of the adjacent armature 35. At the same time,the core 52 attracts the plate 54 directly beneath it, raises this plateand by means of the stud 63, it lifts the respective ball 58 into the.relatively deep socket 59 in the armature, whereupon the armature isunlocked and swings toward the core 52 of the magnet 5| which isenergized. The armature 35 thusunlocked and swung assumes one or theother of, the positions shown in Figure 12 or 14. The arrangement issuch that wheneever a magnet-| is energized, the magnetic clutch. 45 isalso energized to drivingly connect the rotating shaft 46. to the studshaft 44 whereupon the bar 39 is ,reciprocated by the rotatingveccentric 43. Reciprocation of the bar 39 carrying the armatures 35,causes the tooth 33 or 34 of the respective armature which has beenswung,- to engage a tooth onthe pinion so and through it to rotate theadjusting screw 21 to eflect an adjustment of the stroke of theassociated pump 23, to either increase or decrease, the amount of inksupplied'thereby to its respective column on the web being printed.Deenergization of the magnet 5| releases the armature 35 from theattraction of the core 52, whereby duringthe next stroke of the bar 39the armature 35 is swung into its normal inoperative position, as shownin Figure, 13, by the engagement thereof with the pinion 39 which isbeing held by the, spring 36, and the ball 58 drops into the socket 8|in the bar 39 to lock the armature 35 thereto.

- Figure 12 illustrates the position of the armature at the completionof one vstroke'of the bar 39 to the left, the tooth 33 having rotatedthe pinion 38 an amount equivalent to one-tooth.-

Figure 14 illustrates the position of the parts at the completion of astroke of the bar to the right,

lowing stroke. 9

In order toselectively energize a magnet 5| desired to actuate theassociated armature 35 to either increase 'or decrease the amount of inkfed of theprinted matter, the control box (Figure On the re-" a tooth 32and engage the next tooth on,the fol-' by the associated pump to aparticular column 15) is provided with a unit selector switch 68 and.

a plurality of switches as preferably of the type wherein a centeringspring tends to mainta n it in a neutral positionv but permits theswitch to be moved in either of two directions. pne selector switch 68is herein shown arranged to control eight units, and one switch 89 foreach pair of electromagnets 5|, of each mechanism |8 or I9. The magnets.of each pair are indicated individually by the i'iumeralsf5l' and 5|.The selector switch 68 is adapted to-select either the right or lefthand mechanism of any one of the eight units, and is shown in Figure 15as being positioned to permit the venergitation of any pair ofelectromagnets 5| of the left hand mechanism l9. of the unit 'I, asfurther selected by the actu-. ation of the proper one of the switches89, each switch 59. being actuated to energizeeitlier one the ink supplyto scribed.

It will be understood that while the control of a'pair of magnets toincrease or to decrease a certain column as above deboxis shown withknob operated switches 88,

35 and 89 in order to simplify the'drawings, these switches may bereplaced if desired by any other Figure 2) shows an indicator pointer"pointing" towardan indicating mark 12, inscribed l-L, therebyindicatingthat the switch 89 is in position to control the left hand ink supplymechafl", nism of the printing .unit #1. The' pointer 1| commonly usedor the switch 88, both of which are secured upon a common shaft 14, maybe provided with a spring pressed catch I3 of suitable form to insureits proper location ateachindicating mark 12. As shown in Figure 15, theshaft 14 carries a. pair 5 of contacts 15 and J6, which are connectedrespectively through a suitable commutator" to conductors I8 and 19,which in turn are respectively connected to contacts 88 and 8|. Thecontacts 89 and 8| are adapted to be selectively con- 10 tacted by theswitch 69 to connect either .one or the other of the conductors 18 or 19to the main line conductor Ll. The contacts I5 and 18 respectivelyconnect with the terminals of' conduc-- tors 82 and 83 which leadthrough the coils 84 15 5491s, connectedby cable 53 with one terminal ofeach-of the off magnets 5| in the upper row, the actuation of which actto decrease the 25 a ink supply. The second terminalof each magnet 5| isconnected'to the second terminal of its mate. 5| and to a conductor'8'l,.as shown in Figure l5. Each pair of magnetsthus act selectively on thesame adlusting screw As hereinbefore shown, the connections ofthe lowerrow of magnets in F1 re 5 are the reverse of those in the upper row, theon magnets 5| beingconnected to the cable 53, while the "o magnets 5 I"are connected to the cable 53. Thus. 85 the "on magnets in both rows,are thosethat 1 would have even numbers when counting from the left end,and the oif magnets are those thatwouldhave odd numbers.

In Figure 15, the eonductorsfl of each ink 0 supply mechanism l8 and I9are shown grouped in several cables 9| which .are connected to fourtrunk cables 93 thatsextend lengthwise of the printing machine. Thereis-one conductor in r the. trunk cable for each of the conductors 81that are included in the cables in an inking mech-' anism l8, and thusas there are thirty-two conductors .81 shown leading from the inkingmechanism l8, they will each be connected to one of conductorsin thetrunk cable 93 and in the same' relativearrangement. Thus, the inkpuinpsfor corresponding columns of each ink supply mecha nlsm may all becontrolled through the same conductor of the trunk cables 93.

In-Figure'15, four cables 9| are shown leading from each of the inksupply mechanisms l8 and I9 and joining the trunk cables. Similarly,four cables 94 are shown, one leading to-each group of switches 89 ofthe control box 22, but in Fig- 'ure,1, the trunk cable is shownas a-single cable with single branch cables leading to eachinking mechanisml8 and,|9, and'asingle branch to each 5 controlbox 22. e

Conductors 89, as shown in Figure 15, are connected. to contacts 90 ofeach switch 69 which connect them to the main line conductor L2 when theswitch-69 is turned ineither direction. Con- 79 ductors 39 are groupedin the cable 94 and the ii!- divldual 'conductors are each connected toone of the conductors in the trunk cable 93, the connections being suchthat. each'of'the switches 69 controls the similarly located individualpumps ll of the several ink supply mechanisms. It will be seen thatturning the switch 69 to complete the circuit to either contact 80 or8I, will energize the desired magnet -5I or 5I and cause an adjustmentof the stroke of the piston rod 25 of the desired pump 23.

The trunk cable 93 is made up of short sections, each of which extendsbetween adjacent disconnecting switches 2I. One of these disconnectingswitches is located between each two ad'- jacent printing units, andalso one is between each folder andprinting unit that are adjacent; Asshown in Figure 3, the conductors of the cable that lead to the lefthand side of the disconnecting switch are connected to contacts 95 andthose that lead to the right hand side of disconnecting switch areconnected to contacts 96. The disconnecting switches may be of a wellknown drum type having insulated bars 91 secured to a shaft 99 that maybe rotated by a handle 98, the arrangement being such that with theshaft in one position, a connection is made through the switch, fromeach contact 95 to a corresponding contact 96, but with the handle inanother position, all circuits from contacts 95 to contacts 96 arebroken.

It will be understood that by turning the disconnecting switch to theopen circuit position, all portions of the trunk cable to the left ofthe switch are disconnected from all portions of the cable to the rightof the switch, and that by a proper manipulation of these switches, thatthe units of a press arranged-as herein shown can be variously groupedto include desired numbers of units and a folder, and with theinkingmechanism controlled by the control box located at the folder inuse. Thus, if the disconnecting switch 2I located to the left ofprinting unit #4 is opened, the inking mechanism for printing units I, 2and 3 will be controlled by the control box 22 located at the folderadjacent printing unit #3. If, however, the disconnecting switch betweenunits 4 and 5'is opened instead, the same control box will control theinking mechanisms of units I, 2, 3 and 4. From the above, it is obviousthat by opening only certain disconnecting switches that the inkingmechanism control for various groupings of units may be obtained.

An indicating device IN is shown mounted on the top ofthe control box 2|(Figures 2 and 15),

which is preferably an electric lamp that is arranged to light upsubstantially at the start of each operative'stroke of the bar 39 andremain lighted until the stroke is completed. The lamp IOI has one ofits terminals connected by a conductor I02 to the main line conductor LIand has the other of its terminals connected by a conductor I03 to oneterminal of each of a pair of normally, open solenoid switches I04 andI05. The other terminals of the switches I04 and I05 are connected tothe main line conductor L2 by a conductor I06. The solenoids I 01 andI03,

when energized, actuate the switches m4, and I05 respectively, to closethe circuit and light the lamp.

Energization of the solenoids I01 and I08 is accomplished as'follows.Each solenoid has one of its terminals connected to the main lineconductor L2 by a conductor I 09 and its other terminal connected to'oneterminal of each of a pair of cam controlled switches III'and I I2 byconductors II3 andl I 4 respectively. The other terminals H5 and IIS ofthe switches III and H2 respectively are connected to the conductors 18and 19 respectively, whereby the terminals IIi and H6 are connected tothe main line conductor LI from the respective contact 80 or 8|contacted by the switch 69, and the respective solenoid will beenergized when the respective switch III or H2 is closed by itsactuating cam H1 or II8.

As shown in Figure 15, the cams I I1 and II! are mounted upon the shaft44 of the eccentric (E5043, and each is provided with a switch operatingcamming lug H9 and I20 respectively. The lugs H9 and I20 are adapted toengage the operating arm of the respective switch III or II2 to closethe circuit controlled thereby. Upon release of the spring opened switch69 by which the respective solenoid was initially energized, thesolenoid remains energized through a maintaining circuit. The solenoidsI 01 and I08 actuate switches I2I and I22 respectively, one terminal ofeach of which is connected to the solenoid by a. conductor I 23, and I24respectively. The other terminal of each switch I2I and I22 is connectedthrough a conductor I25 and I26 respectively, and resistances I21 to oneterminal of each of the normally closed switches I28 and I29respectively. The other terminal of each of the switches I28 and I29 isconnected by conductors I 3| and 132 respectively to the conductors 18and 19. Hence, when the solenoid is once energized, it will remain sountil the respective switch I2I or I22 is' opened.

The switches I2I and I22 are disposed in proper position in respect tothe cams II! and II8 respectively to be opened by the camming lug H9 orI20 thereof. The location of the camminglugs II 9 and I20 peripherallyupon the cams I I1 and II8 is such that the lug II! will actuate theswitch III to close it during one portion of a revolution of theeccentric disc 43, thereby actuating the solenoid I01 and lighting thelamp IN, and during a later portion of the same revolution of theeccentric 43, after the operating stroke is completed, the switch I28opens the solenoid circuit and the light is extinguished. The portionsof the revolution'of the eccentric 43 during which the camming lug II9acts, corresponding to a complete stroke of the bar 39 in one direction,

as to increase the ink supply.

The camming lug I20 similarly acts on the switches H2 and I22 duringanother portion of a revolution of the eccentric 43, corresponding to astroke of the bar 39 in the other direction. By this arrangement, thelamp I0Iv is lighted and extinguished to indicate to the attendant thatthe bar 39 has reciprocated one stroke and that in so doing the screw 21selected has been turned the amount caused by the engagement of anarmature 35 with a pinion 30. By observing the flashes of the lamp IOIwhile the selected switch 69 is held in closed position, the attendantcan make any desired number of $teps of adjustment.

As shown in Figure 15, whenever one of the switches 69 is operated toeither increase or decrease the ink supply to any column, observationof-the light will indicate when each adjusting stroke is completed. Thecam H1 is adapted by means of its lug I I9, to cause lighting of thelamp IOI during the portion of one revolution of the eccentric 43 whichactuates the pinion 30, to cause an increase in the amount of inksupplied and the cam II8 is adapted to be operative for the samepurposet when the mechanism is being operated to cause a decrease in theink supply.

"Although a driven eccentric disc 43 has been shown for the purpose ofreciprocating the bar 39, in view of this disclosure, it is obvious thatas shown in Figure 16 the bar 33 may be reciprocated by othermechanisnnfor instance by an 'place of the magnetic clutch coils 84 whenthe desired switch 69 is actuated, there being solenoids I31 and I38provided which areenergized to close a circuit tothe switch I36. Thearrange-' ment is such that'the switch I36 permits one revolution of thecam I32 and then is opened to stop the motor I 3I by a camming lug I39When the motor I3I is used to reciprocate the bar ,39 as abovedescribed, the cams H8 and H9 and the associated switches are notrequired.

It is also possible to reciprocate the-bar 39 by means of a double coilsolenoid I4I, as-shown in Figure 17, which solenoid may be connectedinto i the electrical circuit shown in Figure 15 in place of themagnetic clutch coils 84. When a solenoid I is used, each actuation ofanyone of the switches 69 will cause the corresponding pinion to beadjusted one step, thus requiring repeated actuation of the switch 69for furtheradjustment, the bar 39 being retracted upon deenergization ofthe. solenoid MI by a spring I42. When a solenoid MI is used, the camsH8 and H9 are also not required.

- .In operating the mechanism above described, the machine illustratedin Figure 1 is first arranged with the units grouped as desired, with afolder I3 for each groupof units. The adjusting screws 21 are set in aposition believed suitable-to permit the proper amount of, ink to besupplied to the inkingroller for each column of printed matter, and themachine is started. As

the first printed copies begin to appear, the attendant notes theimpressionsthereon and,'when l required, actuates the proper control atthe folder to increase ordecrease' the amount of ink being supplied forthe printing of any column.

For instance, referring to Figure 15, assuming that the ink beingsupplied from the left hand ink supply mechanism I8 of the unit #7 forcolumn #3 is not sufficient to produce a denimpression, the attendantswingsthe switch 68 into the positiod'shown in Figure 15, for the lefthand mechanism of #7 unit then moves and holds the switch 69, marked"3,- against its spring to the dotted position shown in this figure, toconnect the contact 80 to the main line conductor LI by one blade of theswitch 69, and one of the contacts 90 to the main line conductor. L2.by'the other blade of the switch 69, whereby the corresponding onmagnet 6| with the magnetic clutch 45 will be energized. The completecircuit is from the conductor LI through'the. switch" 63 tothe-contact80, then to the conductor 18,

then through the commutator 'II to the contact I6, conductor 82,magnetic clutch coil 84' to the magnet 6|, and then back to the mainline conductor L2 through the conductor 81, cable'al,

trunk cable 93, branch cable 94 to the conductor 89, and the contact 90,which is in connection with the main line conductor L2.

Energization of the magnet 5| will unlock the armature by causing theball 68 to be. lifted outof the socket 6| in the bar, and swing thearmature 36 into position to have one of its'pawls engage the teeth 32on the pinion 30 to rotate it as the bar 39. is reciprocated by theeccentric 43. Rotation of the pinion 30 turns the screw 21 and adjustsit, in this instance, to increase the stroke of the pump 23 through itspiston rod 26. The, amount of adjustment may be controlled by the lengthof time the selected switch 63 is held in contact with the contact 86.By the number of intervals the lamp IIII is lighted during oneadjustment, the attendant will know the amount ofadjustment given to thescrew 21, as above pointed out.

.The conductors 82 and 83 which connect the points of the switch 63 withthe ink supply mechanism IL are shown in Figure 15 as running directlyfrom the control box to the inksupply mechanism in order to simplify thedrawing. In

practice, these conductors together with other similar conductorsconnecting the control boxes with the magnetic clutch coils 84 of theother ink supply mechanisms are carried to the disconnecting switches 2|in the same manner as the conductors of. the trunk cables 93. Hence,

when any disconnecting switch is opened, the circuit through theconductors leading from the switch points of the selector switch v68 tocertain ink supply mechanisms, as well as conductors in the cables 33would be broken, thus-electrically isolating all ink supply mechanismsand control boxes at one side of that switch from those at the otherside. The line conductors LI and L2 are not affected by theopening ofthe disconnecting switches.

, It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from. its spirit or essentialattributes thereof,

and it is therefore desired that the present em- .bodiment be consideredin all respects as illustrative 'andnot restrictive, and it will befurther understood that each and every novel feature andcombination-present in or possessed by the mechanism herein disclosedforms a part of the .invention included in this application.

What we claim is:

1. In combination with a printing machine having a plurality of printingunits, each unit having a printing member and an ink supply "mechanism,each ink supply mechanism having means'to .feed ink to any one ora'pluralitypf areas on said printing member and including separatelyadjustable parts for varying the amount of .ink fed breach-of saidmeans, an

mechanism adapted to adjust each one of said adjustable parts,ajcontroller having switches arranged to select any one of said units,and other switches interlocked with the unit selecting switchesandarranged to selectively control any oneof said adjusting devices of theselected unit. 2. Thecombination of a p nting machine having a pluralityof printing un ts, each unit having a printing member and an ink supplymechanism, eachink supply mechanismhaving means to feed ink to any oneof a plurality of areas on said.

printing member and including separately adjustabie parts for varyingthe amount of ink fed by each of said-means, with an electricallyoperated device for each ink supply mech adapted to'adjust each one ofsaid adjustable parts, a controller having switches arranged toselectively control." any oneof said adjusting devices, and means toindicate-that such -a'djust ment'has'been made. I

3. In combination with a printing machine having'a plurality of printingunits, each'unit having a printing member and an ink supply electricallyoperated device for each ink supply mechanism, each ink supply mechanismhaving means to teed ink to any one of a plurality of areas on saidprinting member and including separately adjustable parts for varyingthe 5 amount of ink fed by each of said means, an electricallyoperated-device for each ink supply mechanism adapted to adjust each oneof said adjustable parts, a controller having switches arranged toselect any one of said units and to selectively 10 control any one ofsaid adjusting devices or the selected unit, and means to indicate thatsuch adjustment has been made.

4. In combination with a printing machine having a plurality of printingunits, each unit 5 having a printing member and a plurality of inksupply mechanisms, each ink supply mechanism having means to feed ink toany one of a plurality of areas on said printing member and includingseparately adjustable parts for increasing and decreasing the amount ofink fed by each of printing units, an inking mechanism at each unithavingv a pluralityof devices to adjust the feed 30 of ink to theprinting units, means to actuate each of said adjusting devicestoselectively increase and decrease the ink fed, means to control saidactuating means at a position remote from said printing units includinga printing unit selector,

7 85 andan adjusting device' selector electrically interlocked with theprinting unit selector.

6. In a printing machine having a plurality of printing, units, aninking mechanism at each unit having a plurality of devices to adjustthe 40 feed of ink to the printing units, means to actuate each of saidadjusting devices to selectively increase and decrease the ink fed,means to control I said actuating means at a position remote from. saidprinting units including a printing unitselector, an adjusting deviceselector, and an increase and decrease ink flow selector. "I. In aprinting machine having a plurality oi printing units, an inkingmechanism at each unit, having a plurality of devices to regulate theink fed to each unit, means toactuate each of said regulating devices toselectively increase and decrease the ink. means to control saidactuating means at a position remote from said printing units includinga printing unit selector having separate connections to the inkingmechanism or each unit, an adjusting device selector having separateconnections with each adjusting device 0! each mechanism, and anincrease and decrease in flow selector connected to each or said ednlusting device selectors and to the corresponding adjusting device. 1

8. In mechanism, a plurality of threaded ink flow controlling membersadapted to be rotated in either direction to increase and de-.' a creaserespectively the now of ink controlled thereby, means toselectively-rotate each or the threaded members in either directionincluding amnion operablyconnected to each member, a

her molmted tor reciprocating movement past 7. said pinicns, means toreciprocate the bar, a

. thereby, a pinion operably to present either one of said pawl ends inpinion. engaging position, whereby said pinion will be rotated therebyas the bar is reciprocated.

9. In an inking mechanism, a plurality of threaded ink flow controllingmembers adapted 5 to be rotated in either direction to increase anddecrease respectively the flow of inkcontrolled thereby, means toselectively rotate each of the threaded members in either directionincluding a pinion operably connected to each member, a 10 bar mountedfor reciprocating movement past said pinions, means to reciprocate thebar, a pawl member pivoted on the bar adjacent each pinion for freeswinging movement, each of said pawl members having a pair of spacedapart pawl ends disposed one adjacent each side of each pinion, means toselectively swing said pawl member to present either of said pawl endsin pinion engaging position whereby said pinion will be rotated by apawl as the bar is reciprocated, and means interlocking said pawl memberswinging means and said bar reciprocating means to insure theirsimultaneous actuation.

10. In an inking mechanism, a plurality of threaded ink flow controllingmembers adapted to be rotated in either direction to increase anddecrease respectively the flow of ink controlled thereby, means toselectively rotate each of the threaded members in either directionincluding a pinion operably connectedto each member, a bar mounted forreciprocating movement past said pinions, means, to reciprocate the bar,a pawl member pivoted on the bar adjacent each pinion for free swingingmovement, each of said pawl members having a pair of spaced apart pawlends disposed one adjacent each side of each pinion, means toselectively swing said pawl member to present either one of said pawlends in pinion engaging position whereby said pinion will be rotated bya pawl as the bar is recipro- 4o cated, and releasable means. to locksaid pawl member in non-pinion engaging position, said pawl memberswinging means being adapted to unlock the locking means or the selectedpawl member and to then immediately swing it. g 11. In an inkingmechanism, a plurality of threaded ink flow controlling members adaptedto be rotated in either direction to increase and decrease respectivelythe flow of 'ink controlled thereby, means to selectively rotate each ofthe w threaded members in either direction including a pinion operablyconnected to' each member, a bar mounted for reciprocating movement pastsaid pinions, means to reciprocate the bar, a pawl, member pivoted onthe bar adjacent each pinion u ior free swinging movement. each or saidpawl members having a pair of spaced apart teethdisposed one adjacenteach side of each pinion, means to selectively swing said pawl member toa present either 0! said teeth in pinion engaging 00 position, wherebysaid pinion will be rotated by said pawl as the bar is reciprocated,releasable means to lock said pawl member in non-pinion engagingposition, said swinging means being adapted .to unlock the locking meansor the se- .8 lected pawl member and then immediately swing said pawlmember, and means interlocking said pawl member swinging means and saidher. reciprocatlng means to insure their simultaneous actuation. V l012.- 1nan inking mechanism. a plurality of threaded ink iiow controllingmembers adapted to berotated in either direction to increase anddecrease respectively the flow of ink controlled connected to each Ithreaded member, a bar mounted for reciprocating movement past saidpinions, means to reciprocate said bar, a single pawlmember pivoted forfree swinging movement on said bar adjacent each pinion and having apairof spaced apart teeth adapted to selectively engage either side of teethon said pinion to rotate it when said pawl member is swung in eitherdirection and said bar. is reciprocated, means to selectively swing saidpawl member in either direction ineach pinion and having a pair ofspaced apart pawl ends adapted to selectively engage either side ofteeth on said pinion to rotate it when said pawl member is swung ineither direction and said bar is reciprocated, releasable locking meansadapted to'retain said pawl member in nonpinion engaging position, meansto unlock said pawl member and selectively swing it in either direction,including an electromagnet disposed on each side of said pawl member,and means to selectively energize said electromagnets. v

14. In an inking mechanism, a plurality; of threaded ink flowcontrolling members adapted to be rotated in either direction toincrease and decrease respectively the flow of ink controlled thereby, apinion operably connected to each threaded member, a bar mounted forreciprocating movement pastsaid pinions, means to recip- 7 electricallycontrolled ink feeding device foreach printing unit, a controller andcircuits arranged to selectively control each of the ink feedingdevices, means for disconnecting the circuits of one of the ink feedingdevices from its controller to prevent its control by'said v controller,and

means for-connecting the circuits of the said one ink feeding device toanother controller to be operated thereby.

18, In a remotely controlled ink regulatingsystem for a multi-unitprinting machine, an electrically controlled "ink feeding device foreach printing unit, a controller to selectively control each of the saidink feeding devices, conductors connecting similar parts of each inkfeeding device to the controller, and means for simultane-r ouslydisconnecting the conductors connecting one of the ink feeding devicesfrom the controller.

19. In a multi-unit printing machine, inking mechanism including aplurality of ink' pumps for each unit, each pump having associatedtherewith a mechanism for regulating the supply of ink delivered by thesaid pump, and a manually operated controller for effecting remotecontrol'of the regulating mechanisms, the said controller comprising agroup selector for selecting any one of a plurality of groups of pumpregulating mechanisms, and an individual selector for selecting any oneregulating mechanism in a pre-selected group.

20. In a multi-unit printing machine, inking rocate said bar, a singlepawl member pivoted for the id controller C mp ro p ec r free swingingmovement on said bar adjacent each pinion and having a pair of spacedapart pawl ends adapted to selectively engage either of said pawlmember, and means to selectively energize said electromagnets, said barreciprocating means including any electromagnetic clutch, andinterlocking electrical'connections' between said clutch and saidelectromagnets to' insure substantially simultaneous actuation thereof.I 15. In a remotely controlled ink regulating system for a multi-unitprinting machine, a controllable ink feeding device for each printingunit, electrical circuits to each of which: corresponding ink feedingdevices of each printing unit are connected, and a controller arrangedto selectively control the ink feeding devices of any unit. v v

16. In a remotely controlled i'nk regulating system for amulti-unit'printing machine, a'controlliible ink feeding device for.each printing unit, a plurality of controllers each arranged toselectively control several ink feeding devices,

and means to disconnect one ink feeding device controller.

1'1. In a remotely controlled ink regulating.

for selecting any one of a plurality'of groups of electrically operabledevices, and an individual selector for selecting any one of the saiddevices of a pre-selected group.

21. In a printing machine having a plurality of printing units, inkingmechanism'including a plurality of ink pumps for each unit, each pumphaving a reciprocable piston. for causing a supply of ink to bedelivered to and at spaced apart points on a memberof the printing unit,means to manually regulate the stroke of-each piston, and a manuallyoperated electrically controlled device havinga unit selector and a pumpfor selectively eflecting remote control of each regulating means oneach printing unit including a rotatable member operably connected toeach regulating means, a single rockable member adapted to be swung intodriving engagement with eachof said rotatable members to rotate itselectively in either direction, and means to reciprocable piston forcausing a supply of ink to be delivered to and at spaced apart pointsalong. said printing unit, a manually operable rotatable threaded memberto regulate the stroke of each piston, and a mechanism to selectivelyrotate each of the threaded members in' 'either direction including apinion operably connected system for a multi-unit printing machine, antoeach nieinbenabar mounted for reciprocating movement past saidpinions, means to reciprocate the bar, a pawl member pivoted on the baradjacent each pinion for free swinging movement,

7 each pawl member having a pair of spaced apart teeth disposed oneadjacent each side of each pinion, and electrically operated meansdisposed remote from said inking mechanism to *selectively swing saidpawl member to present either one of said teeth in pinion engagingposition, whereby said pinion will be rotated thereby as the bar isreciprocated.

23. In combination with a printing machine, a plurality of printingunits, each unit having a printing member and an ink supply mechanism,each ink supply mechanism having means to feed ink to any one of aplurality of areas on said printing member and includingseparatelyadjustable parts for varying the amount of ink fed by each of saidmeans, an electricallyoperated device for each ink supply mechanismadapted to adjust each of said adjustable parts, a plurality ofelectrical circuits to each of which a device of each mechanism isconnected, and a disconnecting switch operable to interrupt the saidcircuits simultaneously.

24. In combination, a printing machine including a folder, a pluralityof printing units in alignment, said units being disposed on each sideof the folder, a remotely controlled ink regulating system having acontrollable ink feeding device for each printing unit, a controllerarranged to selectively control the ink feeding device of any of theprinting units, and means to disconnect the ink feeding device for aunit on one side of the folder from the controller. whereby the inkingmechanism of printing units on both sides of the folder may beselectively regulated by the controller when the machine is operatedwith a' unit on each side of the folder in operation, and whereby theinking mechanism of printing units on one'side only of the folder may beselectively regulated by the controller when the machine is operatedwith units onone side only of the folder in operation.

25. In combination, a printing machine ineluding a folder and aplurality of printing units troller, whereby the inking mechanism ofprinty ing units on both sides of the folder may be selectivelyregulated by the controller when the machine is operated with a unit oneach side of the folder in operation, and whereby when units on eitherone side of the folder only are in operation, the ink feeding devices ofprinting units only on the side in operation may be selectivelyregulated by the controller.

FREDEREECK GRAFTON LOUGEE. ALBERT J. HOE'ION.

